The Maserti Boomerang

Even among special cars, the Maserati Boomerang stands out. The classic vehicle is truly one-of-a-kind, with only one in existence, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. The Boomerang is also unique in its design, with a look that makes it instantly recognizable.

At the same time, the Maserati Boomerang also holds a significant place in automotive history. Using it, designer Giorgetto Giugiaro started the angular super car craze, hammering out a geometric shape that has been mimicked by many Italian car companies and other brands. In other words it’s a trend setter, with its design elements still echoing in numerous modern performance models.

When Maserati revealed the concept car at the Turin motor show in 1971, it immediately caused a stir. Funny enough, initially the Boomerang literally had nothing under the hood. Maserati fixed that problem before the vehicle was showcased at the Geneva Auto Show in 1972, outfitting it with a proper engine and the ability to carve through twisting country roads.

To build the Boomerang, Maserati used the chassis from the Bora production car. It used the same 4.7-liter V-8, which produces a wondrous chorus of sounds, along with 300 horsepower. If the owner wants to take the risk, the vehicle is completely road legal, although taking it to the local market for some groceries isn’t advisable. The car’s top speed is rated by Maserati at 186 mph, but it would be a gutsy move to even try to test it out, considering the value of the Boomerang.

While the exterior looked futuristic and edgy when the car debuted, and it still does, the interior is just as unique. When the driver gets in, he’s greeted by a sea of gauges, buttons and knobs, but they’re all positioned in a circle inside the steering wheel’s rim. There are even headlight and turn-indicator stalks that are included in the arrangement, but by necessity are shorter than usual. With the interesting and completely original layout for the switchgear, the dashboard is so clean that it’s almost unreal.

The seats for the driver and passenger are made of a single piece, and so can’t be adjusted, and are laid back for a more exotic experience. Soft, supple leather covers both of the seats, helping add to the luxurious experience of driving or riding in the super car. Thanks to the original layout of the Boomerang, no other car that’s ever been made, whether a production vehicle or concept, come even close to mimicking the occupant space.

Many were shocked when Maserati made the decision to sell the Boomerang long ago. The super car had attracted much attention at every show it attended, drawing in large crowds and becoming a darling of the press. It helped boost the Maserati brand, and had an everlasting effect on automotive design. The vehicle went to a private buyer, not even a museum.

Since it was originally sold, the Maserati Boomerang has been owned by four individuals. The last time the vehicle sold was just on September 5, 2015 at the Chantilly Sale by Bonhams. Anticipation of the auction was sky-high, thanks to the rare nature of the Boomerang and its high collectability. Many thought there was a strong chance that Maserati would scoop up the vehicle again, muscling out private buyers in the process, and possibly putting the vehicle in a place where the public could enjoy it.

Ultimately, the Maserati Boomerang did net a high price, selling for about $3.7 million to yet another private collector.